Woman Raped On Walking Trail in Canton

Police are investigating after a woman was sexually assaulted while on a walking trail in Canton on Tuesday.

(Published Wednesday, July 25, 2018)

Canton Police are investigating a report of a rape on the Farmington River Trail Tuesday morning and they are adding patrols while searching for the attacker.

A person the victim confided in contacted police and reported that the woman was walking alone when she was attacked on the walking trail around 11 a.m. Tuesday between the Canton Fire Department and lily pond.

“From what we understand she’s doing OK, obviously emotionally she’s in rough shape as would be expected,” said Sgt. Derek Messier.

A police source said a dog distracted the victim, who went off the trail and into the woods where she was assaulted. On Saturday, police issued a news release saying the man who attacked the woman might have had a small white dog with him.

Police said they are looking to speak with any witnesses who saw a man around 30 years old, between 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-9, with a slender to medium build, who was wearing a gray shirt and black shorts. He has short brown hair and his face was unshaved at the time of the attack. He might have had a small dog with him.

On Tuesday night, police sent a detective down to the trail on Canton Spring Road near the Ladder Engine Canton Street Station. The detective tried to find evidence but did not find anything.

Police said they are working to find out who attacked the woman and they recommend that people using the trail carry mace, pepper spray or a whistle and walk, jog or ride bikes in pairs.

Investigators are also trying to locate any video they can find to help catch the attacker. They are also asking anyone who was on the trails yesterday or who has information that will help them solve the case to come forward.